The fourth phase of Bihar assembly elections witnessed a voter turnout figure of 51% in 42 constituencies spread over eight districts on Monday despite a Maoist boycott call and minor incidents in Jamui and Danapur.

The fourth phase of Bihar assembly elections witnessed a voter turnout figure of 51% in 42 constituencies spread over eight districts on Monday despite a Maoist boycott call and minor incidents in Jamui and Danapur.

Earlier, the Maoists called for poll boycott and threatened the election personnel. The Maoist-affected districts of Jamui and Lakhisarai recorded 48% turnouts, Munger 46.3% and Banka 45.5%.

Election officials claimed that in the districts where the Maoists’ presence was limited, the turnout figures were relatively high. While Begusarai recorded the highest 55%, Khagaria posted 53%, Bhagalpur 52.5% and Patna 52%.

State police chief Neelmani said the Maoists triggered a blast on the Chakai-Jamui road in Batia forests, but the rebels fled after BSF commandos opened retaliatory fire.

In the other incident, unidentified persons set off four bombs near two booths in Danapur, injuring two women and the rebel who triggered the device. The condition of the injured is stated to be stable.

State chief electoral officer Sudhir Kumar Rakesh said altogether 568 candidates, including 58 women, were in the fray in the fourth phase.

Meanwhile in Patna, separate FIRs were lodged against RJD chief Lalu Prasad and his wife, Rabri Devi, for violating the model code of conduct. They entered a booth with their son Tejpratap, daughter Ragini and security men in tow.

In Khagaria, the police arrested Sanjiv Singh, son of outgoing minister Ramanand Singh, for manhandling an RJD polling agent.